Large majority of over-65’s and health workers vaccinated against flu

Around 1.2 million people aged 65 or over in Portugal have been vaccinated against flu since the beginning of October, according to data from officials who monitor the take up of vaccinations.

That means that 61.2 percent of people 65 and over have been vaccinated against seasonal flu. Half of people suffering from chronic illness have also had the jab.The Vacinómetro, which monitors in real time the rate of coverage of vaccination against the flu in priority groups, as defined by the Directorate-General of Health (DGS), also shows that 54.8 percent of health professionals who come into direct contact with patients have also been vaccinated.Among people aged 60 to 64, the proportion who have had the flu vaccine is 31.8 percent. Most were vaccinated at their doctor’s recommendation, with just over one quarter doing so by their own initiative and 17 percent in an employment setting.The overwhelming majority of those vaccinated – almost 92 percent - had done the same in previous flu seasons.Vaccination against the flu is strongly recommended for those aged 65 and over, those suffering from chronic illness or whose immune system is compromised, pregnant women and health professionals or employees in nursing homes.It is also recommended for people aged 60 to 64.

Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Interactive Topics, send us your comments/opinion on this article.

Please enter the letters as they are shown in the image. Letters are not case-sensitive.